New Goodies

[BillCNC]

Hello All,

I'm just about to install new valves, guides, springs and retainers. I really don't feel like spending money on assembly lube for a few parts. I would think such a product didn't exist back in the Model A days, so I was thinking of just using CRC Stay-Lube, Stay-Plex red grease, something I could imagine in the day, ... just grease. I also have babbitt bearings.

Regards
Bill

 

[LeonardS]

How about some STP? It’s pretty cheap. Or Permatex 81950 Assembly Lube $5 or $6.

 

[katy]

Gear oil works.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Ditto STP

 

[bruceincam]

All you need is an 8 oz bottle of assembly lube ----- $10 or so.

 

[GerryAllen]

Can, I ask how much is assembly lube?
Gerry, Birch Bay WA

 

[LeonardS]

Can, I ask how much is assembly lube?
Gerry, Birch Bay WA

Here is what I use.

 

[Karl Wescott]

If assembly lube will work and something else does not... How much will the (not) assembly lube cost??? $7.00 seems like cheap insurance.

 

[chrs1961815]

Any oil will work fine. Assembly lube really isn't anything more special than any other lubricant unless you don't know what you are doing and set clearances way too tight all around.

 

[LeonardS]

Any oil will work fine. Assembly lube really isn't anything more special than any other lubricant unless you don't know what you are doing and set clearances way too tight all around.

Ask an engine builder what they use. I bet the answer isn’t “any oil”.

 

[stevests]

Although I'm a Model T engine & transmission builder, I pre-lube all internal parts with the same oil I recommend for running in the engine.

 

[Synchro909]

Although I'm a Model T engine & transmission builder, I pre-lube all internal parts with the same oil I recommend for running in the engine.

That's all I do when I assemble an A engine.

 

[GPierce]

Lycoming recommends 50:50 mixture of engine oil and STP got their aircraft engines.

 

[john in illinois]

I always use it on engine rebuilds. If the engine sits for a while the lube does not run out. Also starting a new engine always has close tolerances and more heat.
Cam manufacturers always call for a breakin lube.

John

 

[burner31]

I agree with posts #9, 11 and 12
But if using assembly lube makes you feel better I say go for it

 

[katy]

I agree with posts #9, 11 and 12
But if using assembly lube makes you feel better I say go for it

Ditto

FWIW, I've never worked on an engine that wasn't going to be used shortly after it was assembled.

 

[1crosscut]

I use the Ultra-Slick as in post #7 but also mix a bit of engine oil in with it.

 

[JayJay]

Back when I was starting out in the '60s I was taught to use STP as my assembly lube for everything (STP stood for "Studebaker Tickled Pink", boy were we clever since Studebaker had just shut down). We even dipped head bolts in STP, which I believe we now realize is not good to do since most head bolt torques are with the studs dry. Nowadays there are certainly other assembly lubes such as the Permatex noted. I'd avoid heavy grease like the StaPlex red as it may occlude oil passages initially until it gets mixed with the circulating oil.

Besides, as someone posted earlier, what's another $10 for a new engine?

Or, just use oil and run it in immediately.

JayJay

 

[katy]

STP stood for "Studebaker Tickled Pink",

I was taught that STP stands for: Sex Takes Practice.